Director of Public Affairs

Barnard College seeks a strategic, fast-moving, and highly skilled communications leader to serve as Director of Public Affairs. Reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Communications and Government Affairs, the Director will serve as Barnard's media relations lead and a key public affairs strategist for the College.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and editor who operates with the highest level of judgment and discretion, stays calm under pressure, and can manage multiple high-priority projects at once. They will have experience navigating complex institutional, public-sector, or similarly high-stakes environments.

Job Description:

This role will:

• Develop communications plans and media pitching strategies that elevate Barnard's leadership, faculty, students, and mission.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for the press, including triaging incoming media inquiries, coordinating responses, and managing relationships with reporters and editors.
• Draft talking points, op-eds, briefing materials, and other strategic communications for senior leadership.
• Identify opportunities for Barnard leadership to participate in panels, conferences, and external events that align with and advance the College's mission and priorities.
• Support day-to-day public affairs work, including tracking local, state, and federal developments and supporting compliance and reporting efforts as needed.
• Monitor local, state, and federal policy developments that may impact Barnard and advise on related communications implications and opportunities.

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:

Qualifications:

• BA in Communications, Journalism or related field
• 6+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, strategic communications, or a closely related field.
• Experience in higher education, government, public policy, journalism, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of the higher education landscape.

The candidate should have a demonstrated track record of

• Securing impactful media coverage.
• Managing complex or sensitive media inquiries, including fast-moving and high-stakes issues.
• Anticipating issues, planning proactively, and helping shape strategic narratives.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment.

This job is currently a hybrid position, but may require a presence in the office up to five times a week depending on operational needs.